simple temperature stabilization???

DirtinLa

Member
Without running a huge controller expense... is there a simple way to stabilize the temp in my 150?

I have the heater in the sump and getting 5 degree swings in temp?

Help please?

Thanx in advance

-=Fred=-
 
A Ranco will cost you maybe $80 and really is not an optional device. Secondly, assuming you tank dips below the set point for some time, you heater may be to small to keep up.
 
How much of a change?

My tank fluctuates about 3 degrees every day. If the weather is like today where the AC won't kick on because the outside is cold, I might see a 5 degree swing. In the winter I see a bunch of smaller swings because the heaters are turning on and off throughout the day.

As long as you are inside the 75-82 degree range, you should be fine. It takes a while for the heaters to warm the water but you want gradual changes, not suddenly going from one extreme to the other.
 
Fred,

We don't have enough information to diagnose the actual issue.

Does the temp rise or drop above the set point of the heater?
When does the swing happen? Morning? Night? After lights on? After lights out?
How many Watts is the heater?
Where in the sump is the heater located?

regardless of the answers, you really should not be running a heater without a dedicated (commercial) temperature controller like a Ranco. Aquarium heaters are garbage and their internal thermostats are not only highly inaccurate, but have a roughly 100% failure rate...
 
Thanks for the info... I have researched what a Ranco is and it looks like I'll be getting one to solve my dilemma.

thank you all

-=Fred=-
 
Or an STC1000 - from a (very!) quick google, looks like the ranco is more expensive and only controls a heater (doesn't it?) where the STC will control heating and cooling :)

Tim
 
I built a heater controller with the stc-1000, works perfectly. I didn't hook up for cooling because I don't need it.
 
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